Doumu (Mother of the Great Chariot / Big Dipper)
Datemid-17th century
Periodlate Ming (1368–1644) or early Qing dynasty (1644–1912)
MediumDehua ware; porcelain with transparent glaze
DimensionsOVERALL: 5 1/2 × 5 1/16 × 3 1/4 in. (14 × 12.8 × 8.3 cm)
ClassificationsCeramics
Credit LineGift of Ira and Nancy Koger, 2001
Object numberSN11122.82
The name Doumu refers to the constellation Ursa Major (Northern Dipper), as she is the mother of the seven stars that form it. In Daoism, Doumu is linked with the moon and attributed with powers related to healing and safe birth. This image, comprising two pieces, depicts Doumu on a lotus seat supported by a mount with a dragon winding around the lotus stem, and four attendants at its edges. Doumu wears a diadem and jewels, and on her forehead is a lightly incised third eye. She has eighteen arms holding various vessel and other ritual utensils.
On View
On viewLocation
- Center for Asian Art, 3rd floor, Lobby, Case B
17th century
late 18th-19th century
18th century
late 17th century
17th century
17th century
17th-18th Century
late 17th century
early 17th century